Conservation@Home is a program developed by The Conservation Foundation that encourages and recognizes property owners that protect and/or create environmentally friendly and water conserving yards. This includes planting native vegetation, such as prairie and woodland wildflowers, trees and shrubs, creating butterfly and rain gardens, and removing exotic species of plants.

The program is designed to work with any size landowner from a townhome to the common space of an entire subdivision to a multi-acre lot. The program empowers landowners with meaningful conservation practices that can make a positive impact on the health of the Aux Sable Creek Watershed and the local environment.

Conservation@Home Goals

Encourage the use of native plants in residential, school and community yards and gardens.

The Conservation@Home program encourages and recognizes property owners that protect and/or create yards that are nature-friendly and conserve water. This includes planting native vegetation such as prairie and woodland wildflowers, trees and shrubs, creating butterfly and rain gardens and removing invasive plant species.

Recognition Criteria

Property must have some native plant components for the benefit of water conservation and/or wildlife.

There should be clear evidence of stewardship of the land (invasive species control, minimal fertilizer and pesticide use, composting etc.)

Property along creeks, rivers, wetlands or ponds should be managed to reduce erosion and pollutants from running off into the water.

Protection of existing natural areas as well as creation of new areas is highly encouraged.

If your land management style meets the basic criteria above, call The Conservation Foundation to join the Conservation@Home program. For a one time fee of $25 ($50 for non-members which includes a complementary one-year membership) certified landowners will receive a Conservation@Home sign to post proudly in their yard, a certificate of achievement as well as a yard assessment, including ideas to further improve the environmental friendliness of their property. Download the Conservation@Home Checklist - PDF

Conservation@Home presentations for community or school groups, garden clubs, homeowner associations etc. on a variety of topics or series of topics such as workshops for building rain gardens, rain barrels, native landscape restoration